Everything you need to know before setting out on your jungle adventure.
Like a secret treasure which is not known to many, the Panna National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh is said to be a hidden gem. It is located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh and this park is very close to a famous city called Khajuraho which has very old and special temples that comes under the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Group of Monuments.
A trip to Panna is full of fun adventures. Either you can go on an exciting jeep safari to see wild animals in the forest or you can also enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Ken River. You can stay for a night and go for night safaris and camp in between the jungle with bonfire, barbeque and music all around.
There are many other cool places to see nearby, like mysterious caves, a waterfall, and the amazing temples of Khajuraho. To plan a great trip to Panna National Park you need to make a list of things to do. First, you should learn about the park like where it is, what animals and plants live there, the best time to visit, how to reach there, where to stay, what fun activities you can do and so on.
The park remains open from October to March as during the winter months the weather remains cool and pleasant. There is very less humidity and dry climate making it easier for the whole day safari ride. But it remains closed from July to September during the monsoons as it rains heavily making it difficult for the jeep to move. Also it allows the forest to rejuvenate into greenery with foliage and a chance to stay and breather.
The easiest way to get to the park is to first travel to the city of Khajuraho.
Once you get to Khajuraho you can take a taxi for the short ride to Panna National Park. You can also drive there yourself from other big cities like Bhopal, Jhansi.
A safari is a fun ride in a jeep through the forest to look for animals. It's a good idea to plan this part early. As Panna National Park is divided into four main areas (called zones) known as Madla and Hinouta (core Zones) and Jinna and Akola (Buffer Zones), where safaris happen, you can pick which area you want to explore. Safaris happen twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. You can book a jeep just for your family or share one with others according to your convenience.
You must book your jeep safari well in advance. There are only a certain number of jeeps allowed in the park each day, so they can run out. You can book your spot on the computer (online) or contact us where we are there to help you out in details. It is a very smart idea to do this a few weeks early to make sure you get a jeep.
You will need a hotel or resort to sleep in. It is best to choose one that is close to the park gate for easy access to safari and other activities. This makes it easy to get to your safari in the early morning. There are many different options for resorts and hotels. Some are a little pricey and some cost a lot of money. You can pick one that is right for your family. Make sure to check if they have a room available for the days you want to visit.
The jeep safari will be one of the best adventures of your life going through the rocky and muddy ways with ups and downs and the excitement of moving inside the jungle to spot animals. Apart from the bengal tiger you may see leopards, bears, more than 200 species of birds, aquatic animals and a lot more. The best times for animal spotting are early in the morning or late in the afternoon where they come near the water bodies to drink water.
Your trip can be even more fun by visiting other cool places near the national park. You can see the beautiful Pandav Falls and explore ancient caves located right in the park. Another great place to visit is the Ken Gharial Sanctuary which is a protected area next to Panna that helps save the endangered gharial which is a special type of crocodile and is a wonderful place to see these reptiles. Finally at last you can take a short drive to see the famous Khajuraho Temples. These very old temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their amazing and detailed stone carvings making them a fantastic place to learn about history and culture.
Packing the right things is very important for a fun and comfortable trip to the forest.